Peleshob

I think this is basically why Maltby is still around. It's just how the Red Wings do business. Quite frankly, at this point, I think that both Maltby and Mac done have very much use. There's a mixture of nostalgia, leadership and loyalty that keep them around. I think the jury is out on Kopecky, though, and that this upcoming season will hopefully change my opinion of him. While it would be nicer to see a guy with Helm's youth and speed take over one of the spots it really is the Red Wings' loyalty to their players that makes them an attractive team to play for.

This could definitely work. I think one paper, though, this would work just as well, if not better. Homer-Datsyuk-Hossa Franzen-Zetterberg-Filppula I think both lines have a man to stand in front the net and two skilled forwards. Plus... I see Datsyuk setting up Hossa all day for fun. Make no mistake... I doubt they can go wrong with any combo of those 6 men.

I honestly can't recall this... but I'd say that going "bananas" on an official is a lot different than butt-ending and slashing. Plus, the circumstances around it may be a bit different. I'm not going to say that I'm positive that Lidstrom jaws at players all game, but I would say that Hall would be more likely to. Chelios has always been dirty and comes from another era... just look at what he got away with Kane near the end of the season. As far as Shanahan... I'm indifferent to him. But I don't recall the game so I can't properly defend anything. What I do remember of Iginla is that he wanted stir the pot with both Schneider and Lidstrom. I also remember getting the feeling that he was just frustrated because he was being outplayed and outclassed. Just my opinion. I think the guy is a great player... great interviewer, great voice for the team... I just don't see him as a class-act leader. But to each his/her own.

I guess I just don't view that as leadership. To me the leadership quality is maintaining composure at all times, even when the game is out of hand. Getting out there and playing your hardest until the final second ticks away. I don't think that Iginla isn't a leader, don't get me wrong. I just don't like the way he handled himself against Detroit in last year's playoffs. Just because it suits the team doesn't mean it's a good thing. I respect that the guy will throw the body. I respect that the guy will drop the gloves once in awhile. But I don't respect the antics he participated in the midst of his frustration.

Much like it's been mentioned, Iginla is not all that great a leader IMO. The spearing/slashing/butt ending that he did out of pure frustration shows the opposite to me. Leaders keep their calm and rally the troops. No amount of butt ending is going to win a game.

Funny story... and maybe they uh... they could have included this. No matter how much the chant "Detroit Sucks"... it's just not going to come true... yeah.

I would personally love for both guys to sign and take turns up here and in GR. D-Mac's definitely got the edge in point production (not much obviously, but better than Downey) and nostaligia of course. I really like Downey though because he's a huge character guy who knows his role very well. He's Detroit's kind of enforcer. He fights when he needs to and would take a bullet for anyone on the team. Both guys are excellent character players and will defend the Wings when needed. That being said... if I had to choose one it would be Downey. He put up with a lot of crap last year just to have D-Mac sweep in and take his spot. Plus, Darren's added point production isn't really a necessary addition to the team.

I feel like Flip doesn't have the same potential as Z when he signed his contract in a similar situation. Long term like 5-6 years Flip should get at most 2.5. That way if he pans out he'll get his big payday like Z will and he'll get to be part of a winning team that treats their players like gold. It's a fair trade-off.